US, Russia and Saudi Arabia create axis of obstruction as Cop30 sputters out

Trump puts US in unflattering company as lack of representative reveals disdain for climate progress

More than two decades ago, the US railed against the axis of evil". Now, after international climate talks spluttered to a meagre conclusion, the US finds itself grouped with unflattering company - an axis of obstruction" that has stymied progress on the climate crisis.

Donald Trump's administration opted to not send anyone to the UN climate summit in Brazil that culminated over the weekend - a first for the US in 30 years of these annual gatherings and another representation of the president's disdain for the climate crisis, which he has called a hoax" and a con job."